FIREFIGHTERS rescued three people and evacuated others after fears of a gas leak at a café which caught fire.

Five fire engines and a water tower were called to put out the blaze in Flavours café in West Derby Road, Tuebrook, just before 6am yesterday.

Three people were rescued and others moved to a safe area while firefighters turned off the gas supply.

Using triple extension ladders firefighters spent three hours tackling the inferno before it was finally put out at 9.20am.

Fire station manager Ben Ryder said: “The fire was significantly well developed upon our arrival. The quick actions of the crews prevented the fire spreading to adjacent premises and reduced potential damage, which enabled businesses to stay open.